Wild Swimming
Coldingham Bay
Coldingham Bay is one of the Scottish Borders' best surf and swim beaches — a small bay of sand backed by grassy slopes, a SEPA-designated bathing water (Good for 2026), and home to a year-round wild-swimmer community, the Coldingham Brave Bayers, who swim here in all weathers and all months. It is popular with surfers and bodyboarders, so share the water.
Quick facts
- Type
- Beach
- Region
- Scottish Borders
- Grid ref
- NT 917 665
- Entry
- Sandy shore
- Depth
- Medium (chest-deep)
- Midges
- Low
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
- Water quality
- SEPA 2026 classification: Good
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- rip currents in onshore swell
- cold North Sea exposure
Getting there
Coldingham village (TD14 5PA) is about 1km from the bay, with parking above the beach. The Brave Bayers swim regularly — check their social media for times.
Parking postcode: TD14 5PA
Safety
SEPA-designated bathing water, classified Good for 2026. SEPA advises against bathing during or 1–2 days after heavy rain because of sewer overflows. A lifeguard attends the beach during busy summer periods — RNLI lifeguards have patrolled here in summer, so check rnli.org for this season's dates and swim between the flags when they are on duty. North Sea water is cold, especially in spring and autumn. Jellyfish, including lion's mane, can appear in late summer. Check sea conditions before longer swims and watch for surfers.
Best for
- surf + swim combination
- Brave Bayers community swim
- Scottish Borders day trip
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:12
- Sunset
- 16:32
- Civil dawn
- 06:33
- Civil dusk
- 17:11
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Common questions
- Who are the Coldingham Brave Bayers?
- A local wild swimming group who swim at Coldingham Bay year-round, including winter. Find them via their social media.
- Is the water clean at Coldingham Bay?
- Coldingham Bay is a SEPA-designated bathing water, classified Good for 2026. SEPA advises against bathing during or 1–2 days after heavy rain because of the risk of pollution from sewer overflows.
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